U.S. patent application number 12/504734 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-21 for boom assembly for holding hose outputting liquefied paving material.
Invention is credited to Michael Stuart Halvorson.
Application Number | 20100014918 12/504734 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41530425 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100014918 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Halvorson; Michael Stuart |
January 21, 2010 |
Boom Assembly for Holding Hose Outputting Liquefied Paving
Material
Abstract
A hose holder boom assembly (10) includes a first pivotal
connector (128) pivotally mounting an open end (122) of a first
tube (120) to a sidewall (114) of a cabinet (44) about a first
pivot axis. A second pivotal connector (128) mounts an open end
(132) of a second tube (130) to the other open end (124) of the
first tube (120) about a second pivot axis parallel to and spaced
from the first pivot axis. Movement of the first tube (120)
relative to the sidewall (114) and relative movement between the
first and second tubes (120, 130) are limited to a pivot plane
extending perpendicular to the first and second pivot axes and
including the first and second tubes (120, 130). The open end (132)
of the second tube (130) is pivotable at an obtuse angle to each of
two sides of the other open end (124) of the first tube (120). A
hose (74) for outputting paving material extends out of the cabinet
(44) and through the first and second tubes (120, 130) and the
first and second pivotal connectors (128).
Inventors: |
Halvorson; Michael Stuart;
(Plymouth, NM) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KAMRATH & ASSOCIATES P.A.
4825 OLSON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 245
GOLDEN VALLEY
MN
55422
US
|
Family ID: |
41530425 |
Appl. No.: |
12/504734 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61081828 |
Jul 18, 2008 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
404/95 ;
404/101 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 27/0849 20130101;
E01C 23/0973 20130101; Y10T 137/8807 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/95 ;
404/101 |
International
Class: |
E01C 23/14 20060101
E01C023/14; E01C 19/12 20060101 E01C019/12 |
Claims
1. A melter and applicator comprising, in combination: a melter
body including a first sidewall having a first hole, with the
melter body adapted to receive liquefied paving material; a hose
extending out of the melter body via the first hole for outputting
the liquefied paving material; a first tube including first and
second open ends spaced along a first longitudinal axis, with the
first tube defining a first conduit between the first and second
open ends thereof; a first pivotal connector pivotally mounting the
first open end of the first tube to the first sidewall about a
first pivot axis perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis, with
the second open end of the first tube having two sides opposite the
first longitudinal axis and the first pivot axis, with the first
pivotal connector defining a first passage receiving the hose, with
movement of the first tube relative to the first sidewall being
limited to a pivot plane extending perpendicular to the first pivot
axis and including the first longitudinal axis; a second tube
including first and second open ends spaced along a second
longitudinal axis, with the second tube defining a second conduit
between the first and second open ends thereof; and a second
pivotal connector mounting the first open end of the second tube to
the second open end of the first tube about a second pivot axis
perpendicular to the pivot plane and parallel to and spaced from
the first pivot axis, with relative movement between the first and
second tubes being limited to the pivot plane with the second
longitudinal axis located in the pivot plane, with the first open
end of the second tube pivotable about the second pivot axis
relative to the second open end of the first tube at a first obtuse
angle to each of the two sides of the second open end of the first
tube, with the second pivotal connector defining a second passage
receiving the hose, with the hose extending through the first and
second conduits defined by first and second tubes and the first and
second passages defined by the first and second pivotal
connectors.
2. The melter and applicator as claimed in claim 1, with the second
pivotal connector including: first and second tabs each including
an inner end fixed to the second open end of the first tube and an
outer end spaced from the first open end of the second tube and the
second open end of the first tube, with the inner ends of the first
and second tabs spaced in a first direction parallel to the second
pivot axis, with the outer ends of the first and second tabs spaced
along the second pivot axis; third and fourth tabs each including
an inner end fixed to the first open end of the second tube and an
outer end spaced from the first open end of the second tube and the
second open end of the first tube, with the inner ends of the third
and fourth tabs spaced in the first direction parallel to the
second pivot axis, with the outer ends of the third and the fourth
tabs spaced along the second pivot axis, with the outer ends of the
first and second tabs intermediate the outer ends of the third and
fourth tabs along the second pivot axis; a first pin extending
through the outer ends of the first and third tabs, with relative
movement between the outer ends of the first and third tabs being
limited to the pivot plane; and a second pin extending through the
outer ends of the second and fourth tabs, with relative movement
between the outer ends of the second and fourth tabs being limited
to the pivot plane, with the first and second pins spaced along the
second pivot axis.
3. The melter and applicator as claimed in claim 2, with the first
pivotal connector including: fifth and sixth tabs each including an
inner end fixed to an inner periphery of the first hole of the
first sidewall and an outer end spaced from the first open end of
the first tube and the first sidewall, with the inner ends of the
fifth and sixth tabs spaced in a second direction parallel to the
first pivot axis, with the outer ends of the fifth and sixth tabs
spaced along the first pivot axis; seventh and eighth tabs each
including an inner end fixed to the first open end of the first
tube and an outer end spaced from the first open end of the first
tube and the first sidewall, with the inner ends of the seventh and
eighth tabs spaced in the second direction parallel to the first
pivot axis, with the outer ends of the seventh and eighth tabs
spaced along the first pivot axis, with the outer ends of the fifth
and sixth tabs intermediate the outer ends of the seventh and
eighth tabs along the first pivot axis; a third pin extending
through the outer ends of the fifth and seventh tabs, with movement
of the outer end of the seventh tab relative to the outer end of
the fifth tab being limited to the pivot plane; and a fourth pin
extending through the outer ends of the sixth and eighth tabs, with
movement of the outer end of the eighth tab relative to the outer
end of the sixth tab being limited to the pivot plane, with the
third and fourth pins spaced along the first pivot axis.
4. The melter and applicator as claimed in claim 3, with the inner
end of each of the seventh and eighth tabs fixed to an inner
periphery of the first open end of the first tube, and with the
first passage defined between the inner ends of the fifth, sixth,
seventh and eighth tabs and between the third and fourth pins.
5. The melter and applicator as claimed in claim 4, with the outer
end of the fifth tab including a first opening, with the outer end
of the sixth tab including a second opening aligned with the first
opening, with the outer end of the seventh tab including a third
opening aligned with the first opening, with the outer end of the
eighth tab including a fourth opening aligned with the second
opening, with the first pivotal connector further including: a
first bushing received in the first opening and including a first
central bore; a second bushing received in the second opening and
including a second central bore aligned with the first central
bore; a third bushing received in the third opening and including a
third central bore aligned with the first central bore, with the
third pin extending through the first and third central bores; and
a fourth bushing received in the fourth opening and including a
fourth central bore aligned with the second central bore, with the
first and second bushings intermediate the third and fourth
bushings along the first pivot axis, with the fourth pin extending
through the second and fourth central bores.
6. The hose holder boom assembly as claimed in claim 5, with the
first pivotal connector further including: a first gusset including
a first end fixed to the first sidewall and a second end fixed to
the first bushing; a second gusset including a first end fixed to
the first sidewall and a second end fixed to the second bushing,
with the fifth and sixth tabs intermediate the first and second
gussets in the second direction parallel to the first pivot axis; a
first plate including a first end fixed to an outer periphery of
the first open end of the first tube and a second end fixed to the
third bushing; and a second plate including a first end fixed to
the outer periphery of the first open end of the first tube and a
second end fixed to the fourth bushing, with the seventh and eighth
tabs intermediate the first and second plates in the second
direction parallel to the first pivot axis.
7. The melter and applicator as claimed in claim 6, with the first
end of each of the first and second plates including a first face
fixed to the outer periphery of the first open end of the first
tube and a second face perpendicular to the first face, with the
second face abutting an end face of the first open end of the first
tube perpendicular to the outer periphery of the first open end of
the first tube, with the seventh tab including a first slanted
section extending outward away from the first tube along the first
longitudinal axis and in a radial direction perpendicular to the
first longitudinal axis, with the first plate including a first
inner surface outside of the first open end of the first tube and
fixed to the first slanted section of the seventh tab, with the
eighth tab including a second slanted section extending outward
away from the first tube along the first longitudinal axis and in
the radial direction, with the second plate including an inner
surface outside of the first open end of the first tube and fixed
to the second inclined section of the eighth tab.
8. The melter and applicator as claimed in claim 2, with the inner
end of each of the first and second tabs fixed to an inner
periphery of the second open end of the first tube, with the inner
end of each of the third and fourth tabs fixed to an inner
periphery of the first open end of the second tube, and with the
second passage defined between the inner ends of the first, second,
third and fourth tabs and between the first and second pins.
9. The melter and applicator as claimed in claim 8, with the outer
end of the first tab including a first opening, with the outer end
of the second tab including a second opening aligned with the first
opening, with the outer end of the third tab including a third
opening aligned with the first opening, with the outer end of the
fourth tab including a fourth opening aligned with the second
opening, with the second pivotal connector further including: a
first bushing received in the first opening and including a first
central bore; a second bushing received in the second opening and
including a second central bore aligned with the first central
bore; a third bushing received in the third opening and including a
third central bore aligned with the first central bore, with the
first pin extending through the first and third central bores; and
a fourth bushing received in the fourth opening and including a
fourth central bore aligned with the second central bore, with the
first and second bushings intermediate the third and fourth
bushings along the second pivot axis, with the second pin extending
through the second and fourth central bores.
10. The melter and applicator as claimed in claim 9, with the
second pivotal connector further including: a first gusset
including a first end fixed to the second open end of the first
tube and a second end fixed to the first bushing; a second gusset
including a first end fixed to the second open end of the first
tube and a second end fixed to the second bushing, with the first
and second tabs intermediate the first and second gussets in the
first direction parallel to the second pivot axis; a first plate
including a first end fixed to an outer periphery of the first open
end of the second tube and a second end fixed to the third bushing;
and a second plate including a first end fixed to the outer
periphery of the first open end of the second tube and a second end
fixed to the fourth bushing, with the third and fourth tabs
intermediate the first and second plates in the first direction
parallel to the second pivot axis.
11. The melter and applicator as claimed in claim 10, with the
first end of each of the first and second plates including a first
face fixed to the outer periphery of the first open end of the
second tube and a second face perpendicular to the first face, with
the second face abutting an end face of the first open end of the
second tube perpendicular to the outer periphery of the first open
end of the second tube, with the first end of each of the first and
second gussets including a third face fixed to the outer periphery
of the second open end of the first tube and a fourth face
perpendicular to the third face, with the fourth face abutting an
end face of the second open end of the first tube perpendicular to
the outer periphery of the second open end of the first tube, with
the third tab including a first slanted section extending outward
away from the second tube along the first longitudinal axis and in
a radial direction perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis,
with the first plate including a first inner surface outside of the
first open end of the second tube and fixed to the first slanted
section of the third tab, with the fourth tab including a second
slanted section extending outward away from the second tube along
the first second axis and in the radial direction, with the second
plate including a second inner surface outside of the first open
end of the second tube and fixed to the second slanted section of
the fourth tab.
12. The melter and applicator as claimed in claim 1, with the first
sidewall further including a second hole spaced from the first hole
in a first direction perpendicular to the pivot plane as well as in
a second direction parallel to the pivot plane, with a second hose
adapted to extend out of the melter body via the second hole for
outputting the liquefied paving material.
13. The melter and applicator as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising, in combination: a third tube including first and second
open ends spaced along a third longitudinal axis, with the third
tube defining a third conduit between the first and second open
ends thereof; and a third pivotal connector mounting the first open
end of the third tube to the second open end of the second tube
about a third pivot axis perpendicular to the pivot plane and
parallel to and spaced from the first and second pivot axes, with
relative movement between the second and third tubes being limited
to the pivot plane with the third longitudinal axis located in the
pivot plane, with the second open end of the second tube having two
sides opposite the third longitudinal axis and the third pivot
axis, with the first open end of the third tube pivotable about the
third pivot axis relative to the second open end of the second tube
at a second obtuse angle to each of the two sides of the second
open end of the second tube, with the third pivotal connector
defining a third passage receiving the hose, with the hose
extending through the third conduit defined by the third tube and
the third passage defined by the third pivotal device.
14. The melter and applicator as claimed in claim 13, with the
melter body further including a second sidewall perpendicular to
the first sidewall, with the first tube parallel to the first
sidewall and with the second and third tubes parallel to the second
sidewall and perpendicular to the first sidewall when the hose is
in a storage position on the melter body.
15. A hose holder boom assembly comprising, in combination: a first
tube including first and second open ends spaced along a first
longitudinal axis, with the first tube defining a first conduit
between the first and second open ends thereof; a first pivotal
connector pivotally mounting the first open end of the first tube
to a sidewall of a cabinet about a first pivot axis perpendicular
to the first longitudinal axis, with the second open end of the
first tube having two sides opposite the first longitudinal axis
and the first pivot axis, with the cabinet adapted to receive an
end of a hose, with the first pivotal connector defining a first
passage adapted to receive the hose, with movement of the first
tube relative to the sidewall being limited to a pivot plane
extending perpendicular to the first pivot axis and including the
first longitudinal axis; a second tube including first and second
open ends spaced along a second longitudinal axis, with the second
tube defining a second conduit between the first and second open
ends thereof, and a second pivotal connector mounting the first
open end of the second tube to the second open end of the first
tube about a second pivot axis perpendicular to the pivot plane and
parallel to and spaced from the first pivot axis, with relative
movement between the first and second tubes being limited to the
pivot plane with the second longitudinal axis located in the pivot
plane, with the first open end of the second tube pivotable about
the second pivot axis relative to the second open end of the first
tube at an obtuse angle to each of the two sides of the second open
end of the first tube, with the second pivotal connector defining a
second passage adapted to receive the hose, with the hose extending
through the first and second conduits defined by the first and
second tubes and the first and second passages defined by the first
and second pivotal connectors, with another end of the hose adapted
to output paving material from the cabinet.
16. The hose holder boom assembly as claimed in claim 15, with the
second pivotal connector including: first and second tabs each
including an inner end fixed to the second open end of the first
tube and an outer end spaced from the first open end of the second
tube and the second open end of the first tube, with the inner ends
of the first and second tabs spaced in a first direction parallel
to the second pivot axis, with the outer ends of the first and
second tabs spaced along the second pivot axis; third and fourth
tabs each including an inner end fixed to the first open end of the
second tube and an outer end spaced from the first open end of the
second tube and the second open end of the first tube, with the
inner ends of the third and fourth tabs spaced in the first
direction parallel to the second pivot axis, with the outer ends of
the third and fourth tabs spaced along the second pivot axis, with
the outer ends of the first and second tabs intermediate the outer
ends of the third and fourth tabs along the second pivot axis; a
first pin extending through the outer ends of the first and third
tabs, with relative movement between the outer ends of the first
and third tabs being limited to the pivot plane; and a second pin
extending through the outer ends of the second and fourth tabs,
with relative movement between the outer ends of the second and
fourth tabs being limited to the pivot plane, with the first and
second pins spaced along the second pivot axis.
17. The hose holder boom assembly as claimed in claim 16, with the
inner end of each of the first and second tabs fixed to an inner
periphery of the second open end of the first tube, with the inner
end of each of the third and fourth tabs fixed to an inner
periphery of the first open end of the second tube, and with the
second passage defined between the inner ends of the first, second,
third and fourth tabs and between the first and second pins.
18. The hose holder boom assembly as claimed in claim 17, with the
outer end of the first tab including a first opening, with the
outer end of the second tab including a second opening aligned with
the first opening, with the outer end of the third tab including a
third opening aligned with the first opening, with the outer end of
the fourth tab including a fourth opening aligned with the second
opening, with the second pivotal connector further including: a
first bushing received in the first opening and including a first
central bore; a second bushing received in the second opening and
including a second central bore aligned with the first central
bore; a third bushing received in the third opening and including a
third central bore aligned with the first central bore, with the
first pin extending through the first and third central bores; and
a fourth bushing received in the fourth opening and including a
fourth central bore aligned with the second central bore, with the
first and second bushings intermediate the third and fourth
bushings along the second pivot axis, with the second pin extending
through the second and fourth central bores.
19. The hose holder boom assembly as claimed in claim 18, with the
second pivotal connector further including: a first gusset
including a first end fixed to the second open end of the first
tube and a second end fixed to the first bushing; a second gusset
including a first end fixed to the second open end of the first
tube and a second end fixed to the second bushing, with the first
and second tabs intermediate the first and second gussets in the
first direction parallel to the second pivot axis; a first plate
including a first end fixed to an outer periphery of the first open
end of the second tube and a second end fixed to the third bushing;
and a second plate including a first end fixed to the outer
periphery of the first open end of the second tube and a second end
fixed to the fourth bushing, with the third and fourth tabs
intermediate the first and second plates in the first direction
parallel to the second pivot axis.
20. The hose holder boom assembly as claimed in claim 19, with the
sidewall including a hole through which the hose extends out of the
cabinet, with the first pivotal connector including: fifth and
sixth tabs each including an inner end fixed to an inner periphery
of the hole of the sidewall and an outer end spaced from the first
open end of the first tube and the sidewall, with the inner ends of
the fifth and sixth tabs spaced in a second direction parallel to
the first pivot axis, with the outer ends of the fifth and sixth
tabs spaced along the first pivot axis; seventh and eighth tabs
each including an inner end fixed to the first open end of the
first tube and an outer end spaced from the first open end of the
first tube and the sidewall, with the inner ends of the seventh and
eighth tabs spaced in the second direction parallel to the first
pivot axis, with the outer ends of the seventh and eighth tabs
spaced along the first pivot axis, with the outer ends of the fifth
and sixth tabs intermediate the outer ends of the seventh and
eighth tabs along the first pivot axis; a third pin extending
through the outer ends of the fifth and seventh tabs, with movement
of the outer end of the seventh tab relative to the outer end of
the fifth tab being limited to the pivot plane; and a fourth pin
extending through the outer ends of the sixth and eighth tabs, with
movement of the outer end of the eighth tab relative to the outer
end of the sixth tab being limited to the pivot plane, with the
third and fourth pins spaced along the first pivot axis.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to a boom assembly for holding
a hose outputting liquefied paving material and, more particularly,
to a boom assembly for carrying the weight of a hose outputting
liquefied paving material such as asphalt without damaging the hose
while allowing manual maneuverability of the hose.
[0002] One form of a typical apparatus for melting and applying
paving material, such as liquefied asphalt, to cracks or slits in
paved surfaces is mounted on a trailer for mobility and includes a
standard hose for applying the material or a heated hose capable of
heating the material to prevent the material within the hose from
solidification during operation. Due to the considerable weight of
the material and the hose per se, the hose is liable to drag on the
ground during operation, resulting in damage to and faster fatigue
of the hose. The problem is aggravated for expensive heated hoses
that are less flexible, generally much more fragile, and much more
cumbersome to work with than standard hoses. Replacement can not be
immediately and easily accomplished on the job site even for
standard hoses, not to mention the heated hoses. Furthermore, the
work team remains idle before the hose is replaced. In an approach
to avoid damage to the hose, an L-shaped boom is provided on the
trailer and includes a vertical leg rotatably received in an
upstanding pipe on the trailer and a horizontal leg having a distal
end to which a carrier is attached in a location above a head of an
operator. A section of a hose extending upward from the apparatus
for melting and applying paving material can be supported by the
carrier at a level avoiding damage to the hose. However, the
L-shaped boom is bulky and, thus, requires a large space for
operation and storage. Furthermore, the operator controlling the
hose has to lift the hose above his or her head so as to extend the
hose through the carrier before use, and maneuverability of the
hose is often limited by the dangling length of the hose from the
carrier. Further, the operator still has to look behind now and
then to assure the relatively long hose neither drags on the ground
nor has a pinch point.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 7,481,601 discloses a patcher system for
patching a paved surface including a remotely controllable arm
attachable to a support structure on a vehicle and a patching
material dispensing subsystem disposed on the remotely controlled
arm. The remotely controllable arm includes a plurality of
actuators for pivoting not larger than 180.degree.. When not in
use, the remotely controllable arm is retracted behind the support
structure. Although the patcher system of U.S. Pat. No. 7,481,601
has achieved market success, the remotely controllable arm, due to
size, cost, and complicated construction and control, is not
applicable to many apparatuses where a manually maneuverable hose
is utilized.
[0004] Thus, a need exists for a boom assembly for carrying the
weight of the hose outputting liquefied paving material without
damaging the hose while allowing manual maneuverability of the
hose.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present invention solves this need and other problems in
the field of manually maneuverable liquefied paving material hoses
by providing, in a preferred form, a hose holder boom assembly
including a first tube having first and second open ends spaced
along a first longitudinal axis. The first tube defines a first
conduit between the first and second open ends thereof. A first
pivotal connector pivotally mounts the first open end of the first
tube to a first sidewall of a cabinet in the most preferred form of
a melter body of a melter and applicator about a first pivot axis
perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The second open end
of the first tube has two sides opposite the first longitudinal
axis and the first pivot axis. The cabinet is adapted to receive an
end of a hose. The first pivotal connector defines a first passage
adapted to receive the hose. Movement of the first tube relative to
the first sidewall is limited to a pivot plane extending
perpendicular to the first pivot axis and including the first
longitudinal axis. A second tube includes first and second open
ends spaced along a second longitudinal axis. The second tube
defines a second conduit between the first and second open ends
thereof. A second pivotal connector mounts the first open end of
the second tube to the second open end of the first tube about a
second pivot axis perpendicular to the pivot plane and parallel to
and spaced from the first pivot axis. Relative movement between the
first and second tubes is limited to the pivot plane with the
second longitudinal axis located in the pivot plane. The first open
end of the second tube is pivotable about the second pivot axis
relative to the second open end of the first tube at an obtuse
angle to each of the two sides of the second open end of the first
tube. The second pivotal connector defines a second passage adapted
to receive the hose. The hose extends through the first and second
conduits defined by the first and second tubes and the first and
second passages defined by the first and second pivotal connectors.
The other end of the hose is adapted to output paving material from
the cabinet.
[0006] In the most preferred form, the second pivotal device
includes first and second tabs each having an inner end fixed to
the second open end of the first tube and an outer end spaced from
the first open end of the second tube and the second open end of
the first tube. The inner ends of the first and second tabs are
spaced in a direction parallel to the second pivot axis, and the
outer ends of the first and second tabs are spaced along the second
pivot axis. The second pivotal device further includes third and
fourth tabs each having an inner end fixed to the first open end of
the second tube and an outer end spaced from the first open end of
the second tube and the second open end of the first tube. The
inner ends of the third and fourth tabs are spaced in the direction
parallel to the second pivot axis, and the outer ends of the third
and the fourth tabs are spaced along the second pivot axis. The
outer ends of the first and second tabs are located intermediate
the outer ends of the third and fourth tabs along the second pivot
axis. A first pin extends through the outer ends of the first and
third tabs. Relative movement between the outer ends of the first
and third tabs is limited to the pivot plane. A second pin extends
through the outer ends of the second and fourth tabs. Relative
movement between the outer ends of the second and fourth tabs is
limited to the pivot plane. Furthermore, the first and second pins
are spaced along the second pivot axis.
[0007] In a preferred form, a third tube has an open end pivotally
connected by a third pivotal device to the open second end of the
second tube about a third pivot axis parallel to and spaced from
the first and second pivot axes. Relative movement between the
second and third tubes is limited to the pivot plane with the third
longitudinal axis located in the pivot plane. The hose extends
through a third conduit defined by the third tube and a third
passage defined by the third pivotal device. The melter body
further includes a second sidewall perpendicular to the first
sidewall. The first tube is parallel to the first sidewall and the
second and third tubes are parallel to the second sidewall and
perpendicular to the first sidewall when the hose is in a storage
position on the melter body. Thus, the hose holder boom assembly
can support the hose outputting liquefied paving material at a
level above the ground to avoid damage to the hose and to ease the
burden of the operator controlling the hose while allowing manual
maneuverability of the hose.
[0008] The present invention will become clearer in light of the
following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of this
invention described in connection with the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The illustrative embodiments may best be described by
reference to the accompanying drawings where:
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a melter and applicator
for applying filling material to paved surfaces utilizing a hose
holder boom assembly according to the preferred teachings of the
present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged, exploded, perspective view of a
circled portion of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional view of the circled portion
of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 shows a partial, left, perspective view of the melter
and applicator of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the melter and applicator
of FIG. 1 with the hose holder boom assembly in a storage
position.
[0015] All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic
teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the
figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and
dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiments will be
explained or will be within the skill of the art after the
following description has been read and understood. Further, the
exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific
force, weight, strength, and similar requirements will likewise be
within the skill of the art after the following description has
been read and understood.
[0016] Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same
numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the
terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "fifth", "sixth",
"seventh", "eighth", "lower", "upper", "end", "side", "portion",
"section", "horizontal", "vertical", "longitudinal", "radial",
"outward", "spacing", "length", "height", "thickness", and similar
terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms
have reference only to the structure shown in the drawings as it
would appear to a person viewing the drawings and are utilized only
to facilitate describing the illustrative embodiments.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] A hose holder boom assembly according to the preferred
teachings of the present invention is shown in the drawings and
generally designated 10. Hose holder boom assembly 10 can be
utilized with a melter and applicator 500 for applying paving
material such as liquefied asphalt to paved surfaces. According to
the preferred form shown, melter and applicator 500 is transported
on a frame 12 that is towable behind a vehicle. Frame 12 includes a
standard trailer hitch along with wheels 16, thus forming a
trailer. Melter and applicator 500 includes a melter body in the
most preferred form shown including a bin 26 for receiving paving
material and having an access cover 28 that can be opened to place
solidified paving material, such as asphalt bricks, into bin 26.
Melter and applicator 500 further includes a heating system having
one or more burners which are supplied with a fuel to heat bin 26
and its contents and to maintain the material in a liquefied state.
The heating system includes a chimney 40 for venting the byproducts
of combustion of the burner. The melter body of melter and
applicator 500 further includes a cabinet 44 receiving an end of a
hose 74 and a pump for pumping liquefied material from bin 26 to
hose 74. Hose 74 can be of a standard type or of a heated type
including an electric element for heating hose 74 to prevent
material in hose 74 from solidification during operation. The end
of hose 74 can be provided with a connector for releasable,
rotatable connection to the pump. According to the preferred form
shown, hose 74 includes a wand 82 on the other end thereof. Wand 82
terminates at a replaceable nozzle 84 and includes an adjustable
valve 86 allowing the operator to control the flow of the liquefied
paving material. A handle 88 is connected to hose 74 and lets the
operator control wand 82 without having to directly contact hose 74
itself. Melter and applicator 500 further includes a wand access
port 100 in communication with bin 26. Wand 82 of hose 74 can be
inserted into wand access port 100 to prevent the paving material
in hose 74 from solidification and to allow the paving material to
be pumped back into bin 26, if desired. A cover 102 is provided to
prevent heat loss when wand access port 100 is not being used.
Melter and applicator 500 as described is conventional and can be
of other forms including but not limited to of a commercially
available type.
[0018] According to the preferred form shown, cabinet 44 includes a
sidewall 114 facing rearward and having a hole 118 in a left, upper
corner thereof, with hose 74 extending out of cabinet 44 via hole
118. Hole 118 extends along a horizontal axis parallel to a moving
direction of melter and applicator 500 (i.e., the moving direction
of the trailer) so that hose 74 extends out of cabinet 44 in a
horizontal plane parallel to the moving direction of melter and
applicator 500. Another hole 116 is defined in a right end of
sidewall 114 and spaced from hole 118 in a horizontal direction
parallel to the horizontal plane as well as in a vertical direction
perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Hole 116 is used when a
second hose is utilized for application of more paving material.
Hole 116 extends along a horizontal axis parallel to the moving
direction of melter and applicator 500 so that the second hose
extends out of cabinet 44 in a horizontal plane parallel to the
moving direction of melter and applicator 500. Furthermore, a brace
190 has a first end pivotably coupled to a first bracket 192 fixed
to frame 12 at a location below hole 118 and spaced from hole 118
in the vertical direction. Brace 190 further has a second end 194.
Another bracket 192 is fixed to frame 12 at a location below hole
116 and spaced from hole 116 in the vertical direction.
[0019] According to the preferred form shown, hose holder boom
assembly 10 according to the preferred teachings of the present
invention includes first, second, and third tubes 120, 130, and 140
pivotably coupled together. First tube 120 includes a first open
end 122 pivotably coupled to sidewall 114 of cabinet 44 by a
pivotal device or connector 128 and a second open end 124 pivotably
coupled to a first open end 132 of second tube 130 by a pivotal
device or connector 128. Second end 194 of brace 190 is fixed to
second open end 124 of first tube 120 to support first tube 120 in
a horizontal plane. A second open end 134 of second tube 130 is
pivotably coupled to an open end 142 of third tube 140 by a pivotal
device or connector 128. The other open end 144 of third tube 140
is free of pivotal coupling in the form shown. Each of first,
second, and third tubes 120, 130, and 140 defines a conduit 212
between first and second open ends 122 and 124, 132 and 134, 142
and 144 thereof spaced along a longitudinal axis thereof.
[0020] According to the preferred form shown, each pivotal
connector 128 includes upper and lower tabs 152 extending outward
from second open end 134 of second tube 130 (or from second open
end 124 of first tube 120, from hole 116 of sidewall 114 of cabinet
44, or from hole 118 of sidewall 114 of cabinet 44) in a direction
parallel to the longitudinal axis of second tube 130 coplanar with
the longitudinal axes of first and third tubes 120 and 140. Upper
and lower tabs 152 are spaced in the vertical direction
perpendicular to the moving direction of trailer and to an
extending direction of hose 74 and have a first spacing
therebetween larger than an outer diameter of hose 74. According to
the most preferred form shown, each of upper and lower tabs 152
includes an inner end 154 welded to an inner periphery of second
open end 134 of second tube 130 (or to an inner periphery of second
open end 124 of first tube 120, to an inner periphery of hole 116
of sidewall 114 of cabinet 44, or to an inner periphery of hole 118
of sidewall 114 of cabinet 44). Each of upper and lower tabs 152
further includes an outer end 158 having an opening 150 and spaced
from open end 142 of third tube 140 and second open end 134 of
third tube 130 (or spaced from first open end 132 of second tube
130 and second open end 124 of first tube 120, or spaced from first
open end 122 of first tube 120 and sidewall 114 of cabinet 44). An
upper bushing 178 extends through opening 150 of upper tab 152 and
has a central bore 179. A lower bushing 178 extends through opening
150 of lower tab 152 and has a central bore 179 aligned with
central bore 179 of upper bushing 178. According to the most
preferred form shown, each of upper and lower bushings 178 has
annular cross sections and an outer diameter pressed into opening
150 or otherwise secured into opening 150 such as by welding so
that upper and lower bushings 178 face away from each other. An
upper gusset 180 includes a first end 182 having a stepped portion
188 with first and second faces 202 and 204 received on and welded
to second open end 134 of second tube 130 (or received on and
welded to second open end 124 of first tube 120, or directly welded
to sidewall 114 of cabinet 44 with first end 182 of upper gusset
180 having no stepped portion 188). In the case that upper gusset
180 includes stepped portion 188, first face 202 of upper gusset
180 is fixed to the outer periphery of second open end 134 of
second tube 130 (or to the outer periphery of second open end 124
of first tube 120), and second face 204 of upper gusset 180 is
perpendicular to first face 202 of upper gusset 180 and abuts an
end face of second open end 134 of second tube 130 (or abutting an
end face of second open end 124 of first tube 120). Upper gusset
180 further includes a second end 184 abutting against upper
bushing 178. According to the most preferred form shown, second end
184 of upper gusset 180 has an end face welded to upper bushing
178. An inner surface of upper gusset 180 that is outside of second
open end 134 of second tube 130 (or outside of second open end 124
of first tube 120, or outside of sidewall 114 of cabinet 44) is
welded to a section of upper tab 152 outside of second open end 134
of second tube 130 (or outside of second open end 124 of first tube
120, or outside of sidewall 114 of cabinet 44). Upper gusset 180
has a thickness less than the outer diameter of upper bushing 178.
Furthermore, upper bushing 178 has a length equal to the sum of a
thickness of upper tab 152 and a height of upper gusset 180. A
lower gusset 180 includes a first end 182 having a stepped portion
188 with first and second faces 202 and 204 received on and welded
to second open end 134 of second tube 130 (or received on and
welded to second open end 124 of first tube 120, or directly welded
to sidewall 114 of cabinet 44 with first end 182 of lower gusset
180 having no stepped portion 188). In the case that lower gusset
180 includes stepped portion 188, first face 202 of lower gusset
180 is fixed to the outer periphery of second open end 134 of
second tube 130 (or to the outer periphery of second open end 124
of first tube 120), and second face 204 of lower gusset 180 is
perpendicular to first face 202 of lower gusset 180 and abuts an
end face of second open end 134 of second tube 130 (or abuts second
open end 124 of first tube 120). Lower gusset 180 further includes
a second end 184 abutting against lower bushing 178. According to
the most preferred form shown, second end 184 of lower gusset 180
has an end face welded to lower bushing 178. An inner surface of
lower gusset 180 that is outside of second open end 134 of second
tube 130 (or outside of second open end 124 of first tube 120, or
outside of sidewall 114 of cabinet 44) is welded to a section of
lower tab 152 outside of second open end 134 of second tube 130 (or
outside of second open end 124 of first tube 120, or outside of
sidewall 114 of cabinet 44). Lower gusset 180 has a thickness less
than the outer diameter of lower bushing 178. Furthermore, lower
bushing 178 has a length equal to the sum of a thickness of lower
tab 152 and a height of lower gusset 180. Upper and lower tabs 152
are intermediate upper and lower gussets 180 in the vertical
direction.
[0021] According to the preferred teachings of the present
invention, each pivotal connector 128 further includes upper and
lower tabs 170 in the most preferred form shown as upper and lower
plate tabs extending outward from open end 142 of third tube 140
(or from first open end 132 of second tube 130, or from first open
end 122 of first tube 120) in a direction parallel to the
longitudinal axis of third tube 140 (or to the longitudinal axis of
second tube 130, or to the longitudinal axis of first tube 120).
Upper and lower tabs 170 include outer ends 176 spaced in the
vertical direction larger than a spacing between upper and lower
bushings 178. According to the most preferred form shown, each of
upper and lower tabs 170 includes an inner end 174 welded to an
inner periphery of open end 142 of third tube 140 (or to an inner
periphery of first open end 132 of second tube 130, or to an inner
periphery of first open end 122 of first tube 120) and the outer
end 176 outside open end 142 of third tube 140 (or outside first
open end 132 of second tube 130, or outside first open end 122 of
first tube 120). Outer end 176 of each of upper and lower tabs 170
has an opening 175 and is spaced from open end 142 of third tube
140 and second open end 134 of third tube 130 (or spaced from first
open end 132 of second tube 130 and second open end 124 of first
tube 120, or spaced from first open end 122 of first tube 120 and
sidewall 114 of cabinet 44). Each of upper and lower tabs 170
further includes a slanted section 171 extending outward away from
third tube 140 along the longitudinal axis of third tube 140 and in
a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of third
tube 140 (or away from second tube 130 along the longitudinal axis
of second tube 130 and in the radial direction, or away from first
tube 120 along the longitudinal axis of first tube 120 and in the
radial direction) and interconnected between outer and inner ends
176 and 174. An upper bushing 196 in the preferred form shown as a
plate bushing extends through opening 175 of upper tab 170 and has
a central bore 198. A lower bushing 196 in the most preferred form
shown as a plate bushing extends through opening 175 of lower tab
170 and has a central bore 198 aligned with central bore 198 of
upper bushing 196. According to the most preferred form shown, each
of upper and lower bushings 196 has annular cross sections and an
outer diameter pressed into opening 175 or otherwise secured into
opening 175 such as by welding so that upper and lower bushings 196
face away from each other. An upper plate 160 includes a first end
162 having a stepped portion received on and welded to open end 142
of third tube 140 (or received on and welded to first open end 132
of second tube 130, or received on and welded to first open end 122
of first tube 120). The stepped portion of first end 162 of upper
plate 160 includes a first face 206 fixed to the outer periphery of
open end 142 of third tube 140 (or to the outer periphery of first
open end 132 of second tube 130, or to the outer periphery of first
open end 122 of first tube 120) and a second face 208 perpendicular
to first face 206 of upper plate 160 and abutting an end face of
open end 142 of third tube 140 (or abutting an end face of first
open end 132 of second tube 130, or abutting an end face of first
open end 122 of first tube 120). Upper plate 160 further includes a
second end 164 abutting against upper bushing 196. According to the
most preferred form shown, second end 164 of upper plate 160 has an
end face welded to upper bushing 196. An inner surface of upper
plate 160 that is outside of open end 142 of third tube 140 (or
outside of first open end 132 of second tube 130, or outside of
first open end 122 of first tube 120) is welded to slanted section
171 and to a section of inner end 174 of upper tab 170 outside of
open end 142 of third tube 140 (or outside of first open end 132 of
second tube 130, or outside of first open end 122 of first tube
120). A lower plate 160 includes a first end 162 having a stepped
portion received on and welded to open end 142 of third tube 140
(or received on and welded to first open end 132 of second tube
130, or received on and welded to first open end 122 of first tube
120). The stepped portion of first end 162 of lower plate 160
includes a first face 206 fixed to the outer periphery of open end
142 of third tube 140 (or to the outer periphery of first open end
132 of second tube 130, or to the outer periphery of first open end
122 of first tube 120) and a second face 208 perpendicular to first
face 206 of lower plate 160 and abutting an end face of open end
142 of third tube 140 (or abutting an end face of first open end
132 of second tube 130, or abutting an end face of first open end
122 of first tube 120). Lower plate 160 further includes a second
end 164 abutting against lower bushing 196. According to the most
preferred form shown, second end 164 of lower plate 160 has an end
face welded to lower bushing 196. An inner surface of lower plate
160 that is outside of open end 142 of third tube 140 (or outside
of first open end 132 of second tube 130, or outside of first open
end 122 of first tube 120) is welded to slanted section 171 and to
a section of inner end 174 of lower tab 170 outside of open end 142
of third tube 140 (or outside of first open end 132 of second tube
130, or outside of first open end 122 of first tube 120). Upper and
lower tabs 170 are intermediate upper and lower plates 160 in the
vertical direction.
[0022] According to the preferred embodiment shown, upper and lower
bushings 178 are received between upper and lower bushings 196 with
central bores 179 of upper and lower bushings 178 aligned with
central bores 198 of upper and lower bushings 196. An upper pin 168
is extended through central bore 198 of upper bushing 196 and
central bore 179 of upper bushing 178 and has a threaded section
coupled with a nut 172. Similarly, a lower pin 168 is extended
through central bore 198 of lower bushing 196 and central bore 179
of lower bushing 178 and has a threaded section coupled with a nut
172. Upper and lower pins 168 define a vertical pivot axis for
relative pivotal movement between second open end 134 of second
tube 130 and open end 142 of third tube 140 (or between second open
end 124 of first tube 120 and first open end 132 of second tube
130, or between first open end 122 of first tube 120 and sidewall
114 of cabinet 44). Note that outer ends 176 of upper and lower
tabs 170 are spaced along the vertical pivot axis. Furthermore,
outer ends 158 of upper and lower tabs 152 are spaced along the
vertical pivot axis and intermediate outer ends 176 of upper and
lower tabs 170 along the vertical pivot axis. Further, upper and
lower bushings 178 are intermediate upper and lower bushings 196
along the vertical pivot axis. Upper and lower pins 168 are also
spaced along the vertical pivot axis. Relative movement between
outer end 158 of upper tab 152 relative to outer end 176 of upper
tab 170 of each pivot connector 128 is limited to a horizontal
pivot plane. Likewise, relative movement between outer end 158 of
lower tab 152 relative to outer end 176 of lower tab 170 of each
pivotal connector 128 is limited to the horizontal pivot plane.
[0023] It can be appreciated that a passage 210 is defined in each
pivotal connector 128. Specifically, a passage 210 is defined
between inner ends 154 and 174 of upper and lower tabs 152 and 170
and between upper and lower pins 168 of each pivotal connector 128.
Thus, hose 74 can extend through passages 210 defined by pivotal
connectors 128 and conduits 212 defined by first, second, and third
tubes 120, 130, and 140.
[0024] In manufacture and assembly of upper tab 152 and upper
gusset 180 with stepped portion 188, upper bushing 178 is fixed in
opening 150 of upper tab 152, and second end 184 of upper gusset
180 is fixed to upper bushing 178. A side of upper gusset 180 abuts
or is fixed a face of upper tab 152, leaving a gap between stepped
portion 188 and inner end 154 of upper tab 152. Upper gusset
180/upper tab 152 can be slid to its position where second face 204
of upper gusset 180 abuts the end face of second open end 134 of
second tube 130 (or abuts the end face of second open end 124 of
first tube 120). Next, first face 202 of upper gusset 180 can be
fixed such as by welding to the outer periphery of second open end
134 of second tube 130 (or to the outer periphery of second open
end 124 of first tube 120). Likewise, in manufacture and assembly
of lower tab 152 and lower gusset 180 with stepped portion 188,
lower bushing 178 is fixed in opening 150 of lower tab 152, and
second end 184 of lower gusset 180 is fixed to lower bushing 178. A
side of lower gusset 180 abuts or is fixed to a face of lower tab
152, leaving a gap between stepped portion 188 and inner end 154 of
lower tab 152. Lower gusset 180/lower tab 152 can be slid to its
position where second face 204 of lower gusset 180 abuts the end
face of second open end 134 of second tube 130 (or abuts the end
face of second open end 124 of first tube 120). Next, first face
202 of lower gusset 180 can be fixed such as by welding to the
outer periphery of second open end 134 of second tube 130 (or to
the outer periphery of second open end 124 of first tube 120).
[0025] In manufacture and assembly of upper tab 170 and upper plate
160, upper bushing 196 is fixed in opening 175 of upper tab 170,
and second end 164 of upper plate 160 is fixed to upper bushing
196. The inner side of upper plate 160 is fixed to slanted section
171 and a portion of inner end 174 of upper tab 170, leaving a gap
between the stepped portion of upper plate 160 and inner end 174 of
upper tab 170. Upper plate 160/upper tab 170 can be slid to its
position where second face 208 of upper plate 160 abuts the end
face of open end 142 of third tube 140 (or abuts the end face of
first open end 132 of second tube 130, or abuts the end face of
first open end 122 of first tube 120) with central bore 198 of
upper bushing 196 aligned with central bore 179 of upper bushing
178. Next, first face 206 of upper plate 160 can be welded to the
outer periphery of open end 142 of third tube 140 (or to the outer
periphery of first open end 132 of second tube 130, or to the outer
periphery of first open end 122 of first tube 120). Likewise, in
manufacture and assembly of lower tab 170 and lower plate 160,
lower bushing 196 is fixed in opening 175 of lower tab 170, and
second end 164 of lower plate 160 is fixed to lower bushing 196.
The inner side of lower plate 160 is fixed to slanted section 171
and a portion of inner end 174 of lower tab 170, leaving a gap
between the stepped portion of lower plate 160 and inner end 174 of
lower tab 170. Lower plate 160/lower tab 170 can be slid to its
position where second face 208 of lower plate 160 abuts the end
face of open end 142 of third tube 140 (or abuts the end face of
first open end 132 of second tube 130, or abuts the end face of
first open end 122 of first tube 120) with central bore 198 of
lower bushing 196 aligned with central bore 179 of lower bushing
178. Next, first face 206 of lower plate 160 can be welded to the
outer periphery of open end 142 of third tube 140 (or to the outer
periphery of first open end 132 of second tube 130, or to the outer
periphery of first open end 122 of first tube 120). Upper and lower
pins 168 are then extended through central bores 198 and 179 of
upper and lower bushings 196 and 178 and engaged with nuts 172 to
complete assembly of pivotal connector 128.
[0026] It can be appreciated that first, second, and third tubes
120, 130, and 140 can be simply cut to length with a square cut
perpendicular to the respective longitudinal axes to provide the
end faces. Assembly of pivotal connector 128 is easy by forming
gusset 180/tab 152 and plate 160/tab 170. Pivotal connectors 128
thus made are inexpensive.
[0027] It can be appreciated that upper and lower gussets 180 and
upper and lower tabs 152 can be mounted to open end 142 of third
tube 140 (or to first open end 132 of second tube 130, or to first
open end 122 of first tube 120). In this case, upper and lower tabs
170 and upper and lower plates 160 are mounted on second open end
134 of second tube 130 (or to second open end 124 of first tube
120, or to sidewall 114 of cabinet 44). It can be further
appreciated that upper and lower gussets 180, upper and lower tabs
152, upper and lower tabs 170, and upper and lower plates 160 in
other forms accomplishing the functions required would be within
the skill of the art.
[0028] The longitudinal axes of first, second, and third tubes 120,
130, and 140 are coplanar with one another so that first, second,
and third tubes 120, 130, and 140 extend in a common horizontal
pivot plane that is parallel to the moving direction of the trailer
and parallel to and above the ground. Furthermore, first, second,
and third tubes 120, 130, and 140 are pivotal about parallel,
spaced vertical pivot axes formed by pins 168 of respective pivotal
connectors 128 so that first, second, and third tubes 120, 130, and
140 are maintained in the horizontal pivot plane. Hose 74 extends
horizontally out of sidewall 114 of cabinet 44 and is directly
supported and protected by first, second, and third tubes 120, 130,
and 140 at a rear portion thereof. Further, the rear portion of
hose 74 will not extend beyond passages 210 defined by pivotal
connectors 128 and conduits 212 defined by first, second, and third
tubes 120, 130, and 140. Thus, the rear portion of hose 74 is
protected and supported in the horizontal pivot plane at a level
above the ground by first, second, and third tubes 120, 130, and
140. Furthermore, the rear portion of hose 74 can only move
together with first, second, and third tubes 120, 130, and 140 in
the horizontal pivot plane perpendicular to the vertical pivot axes
and parallel to the ground such that movement of front portion of
hose 74 due to gravity is not a factor. However, handle 88 located
on a front portion of hose 74 is spaced from third tube 140 to
allow smooth operation of handle 88. It can be appreciated that
pivotal movement of first, second, and third tubes 120, 130, and
140 and the rear portion of hose 74 therein will not damage the
rear portion of hose 74.
[0029] It can be appreciated that second open end 124 of first tube
120 has two sides opposite the longitudinal axis of first tube 120
and a first one of the pivot axes of pivotal connector 128 that
mounts first open end 122 of first tube 120 to sidewall 114, and
first open end 132 of second tube 130 is pivotable about a second
one of the pivot axes, of pivotal connector 128 mounting first open
end 132 of second tube 130 to second open end 124 of first tube
120, relative to second open end 124 of first tube 120 at an obtuse
angle to each side of second open end 124 of first tube 120.
Likewise, second open end 134 of second tube 130 has two sides
opposite the longitudinal axis of second tube 130 and the second
pivot axis, and open end 142 of third tube 140 is pivotable about a
third one of the pivot axes, of pivotal connector 128 mounting open
end 142 of third tube 140 to second open end 134 of second tube
130, relative to second open end 134 of second tube 130 at an
obtuse angle to each side of second open end 134 of second tube
130. Thus, according to the most preferred form shown, each pivotal
connector 128 can pivot more than 180.degree. which precludes the
use of hydraulic actuators.
[0030] In a case that a second hose is utilized, a second hose
holder boom assembly according to the preferred teachings of the
present invention can be utilized. In the preferred form shown,
melter and applicator 500 includes upper and lower tabs 152 for the
second hose holder boom assembly extending from hole 116 of
sidewall 114 such that melter and applicator 500 can be equipped at
the manufacturer with either one or two hose holder boom assemblies
10 as desired. It can be appreciated that the second hose holder
boom assembly includes a brace having a first end pivotably
connected to bracket 192 below hole 116 and a second end fixed to
the first tube of the second hose holder boom assembly for
supporting purposes. The second hose is supported by the second
hose holder boom assembly in a horizontal plane vertically below
hose 74, and the whole second hose holder boom assembly is parallel
to and spaced from hose holder boom assembly 10.
[0031] Now that the basic construction of hose holder boom assembly
10 according to the preferred teachings of the present invention
has been set forth, operation can be explained, and some of the
advantages obtained thereby highlighted. In particular, for the
sake of explanation, it will be assumed that only one hose holder
boom assembly 10 is utilized and in an operative state shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3. Note that first, second, and third tubes 120, 130,
and 140 support the rear portion of hose 74 in the horizontal pivot
plane at a level above the ground. An operator can easily control
handle 88 to proceed with application of the paving material
through nozzle 84 under eased burden. Furthermore, the operator can
easily and manually move the rear portion of hose 74 sideways.
Pivotal connectors 128 allow hose 74 to move smoothly together with
first, second, and third tubes 120, 130, and 140 that can pivot
about the vertical pivot axes defined by pins 168, providing
enhanced manual maneuverability of hose 74. Furthermore, hose 74
will not drag on the ground, and there will be no pinch point.
Thus, the operator does not have to look behind to check the
condition of hose 74 during operation. Thus, when not in use, wand
82 of hose 74 can be placed in wand access port 100 to prevent the
paving material in hose 74 from solidification and/or to allow the
paving material to be pumped back into bin 26. After operation,
hose holder boom assembly 10 according to the preferred teachings
of the present invention can be moved to a storage position shown
in FIG. 4. Specifically, second open end 124 of first tube 120 is
supported by brace 190 at a level higher than upper tab 152 for the
second hose holder boom assembly. When hose 74 is in the storage
position, tube 120 is parallel to sidewall 114, and second and
third tubes 130 and 140 are substantially parallel to a sidewall
260 of bin 26 perpendicular to sidewall 114.
[0032] Note that brace 190 is adjacent sidewall 114 of cabinet 44
and located below and substantially coplanar with first tube 120 in
the storage position so that the storage space required for hose
holder boom assembly 10 according to the preferred teachings of the
present invention is not increased. Bin 26 can include brackets to
support second and/or third tubes 130 and 140. Further, the trailer
can include suitable arrangements to retain the front portion of
hose 74 to a side of the trailer so that hose holder boom assembly
10 according to the preferred teachings of the present invention
can be reliably positioned while the trailer is being towed.
[0033] Hose holder boom assembly 10 according to the preferred
teachings of the present invention can include fewer or more than
three tubes interconnected by pivotal connectors 128 so that the
overall length of hose holder boom assembly 10 can be decreased or
increased in response to the overall length of hose 74 in use. Note
that all of the tubes 120, 130 and 140 of hose holder boom assembly
10 according to the preferred teachings of the present invention
can be easily assembled or detached on the job site according to
needs. Furthermore, all of the tubes 120, 130 and 140 of hose
holder boom assembly 10 according to the preferred teachings of the
present invention can be identical to each other to provide
interchangeability which allows faster assembly of hose holder boom
assembly 10. It can be appreciated that hose 74 extends
horizontally out of sidewall 114 of cabinet 44 and is directly
supported and protected by first, second, and third tubes 120, 130
and 140 at the rear portion thereof so that troublesome operation
of lifting hose 74 above the head of the operator before use in the
conventional L-shaped boom is not required. Furthermore, the space
required for operation and storage of hose 74 and hose holder boom
assembly 10 according to the preferred teachings of the present
invention is relatively small in comparison with the conventional
L-shaped boom, for the rear portion of hose 74 is received in and
supported by first, second, and third tubes 120, 130 and 140 that
can be pivoted to and retained in their storage positions not
extending in the vertical direction beyond melter and applicator
500. Thus, hose holder boom assembly 10 according to the preferred
teachings of the present invention provides a compact, simple,
length-adjustable structure to reliably hold and protect hose 74 in
the horizontal pivot plane while allowing manual maneuverability of
hose 74 during use.
[0034] In a case that a second hose and a second hose holder boom
assembly according to the preferred teachings of the present
invention are utilized, the two hose holder boom assemblies will
not interfere with each other in operation and storage. This is
because the second hose is supported by the second hose holder boom
assembly in a horizontal plane parallel to and below hose 74 and
because the whole second hose holder boom assembly is parallel to
and spaced from hose holder boom assembly 10. The space required
for storage is not increased even though the second hose holder
boom assembly is utilized, for sidewall 114 of cabinet 44 provides
a common base for both hose holder boom assemblies 10.
Specifically, when the second hose holder boom assembly is in its
storage position, the first tube of the second hose holder boom
assembly is below and coplanar with first tube 120 of hose holder
boom assembly 10, and the second and third tubes of the second hose
holder boom assembly as well as the front portion of the second
hose can be retained to the other side of the trailer by suitable
arrangements similar to those for the first hose holder boom
assembly 10 shown. It can be appreciated that the tubes 120, 130,
and 140 of the two hose holder boom assemblies 10 according to the
preferred teachings of the present invention can be interchanged.
Furthermore, in a case that one of holes 116 and 118 is blocked
and/or one of the two hose holder boom assemblies 10 is damaged or
malfunctions, application of paving material can continue through
use of the unblocked hole 116, 118 and the undamaged/normal hose
holder boom assembly to save time and costs.
[0035] Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in
other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general
characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated,
the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all
respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the
invention is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by
the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the
meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be
embraced therein.
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